PEM Full Form, Classification, Symptoms, Treatment
PEM full form is Protein-Energy Malnutrition. Learn about the classification (primary, secondary), symptoms, treatment and complications of PEM.
Krati Saraswat6 Jun, 2025
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The PEM full form is Protein-Energy Malnutrition. It is one of the common conditions which has caused 250000 deaths in both children and adults. The major reasons for PEM are starvation and reduced access to food and vital nutrients.
It is also caused in those people who are suffering from fatal conditions like cancer or AIDS. The best way to treat this disease is to administer proper nutrition, food, and multivitamins to the patient.PEM Full Form in English
The PEM full form is Protein-Energy Malnutrition. It is related to severe nutritional deficiency where both protein and energy intake are insufficient. This condition often leads to slow growth, weight loss, and weakened immunity. PEM is a common phenomenon in children and adults suffering from depression. Due to this condition, one can suffer from weak muscles, reduced physical and cognitive development, and increased susceptibility to infections. It is caused by inadequate dietary intake, poverty, and underlying health conditions.PEM Full Form in Hindi
The PEM full form is प्रोटीन-ऊर्जा की कमी मानसिक रूप से होती है। इसमें आहार में प्रोटीन की कमी होती है और उसके साथ ही ऊर्जा की भी कमी होती है। विश्वभर में हर साल बच्चों और वयस्कों दोनों में करीब 2,50,000 मौतें दर्ज होती हैं। इस बीमारी का सबसे अधिक प्रभाव वृद्ध लोगों पर पड़ता है। PEM एक पुनरावलोकनिक शरीरिक दिवस्थिति के साथ एक महत्वपूर्ण साथी स्थिति भी है जो दीर्घकालिक जिग्रनित रोग या कैंसर कैक्सिया से संबंधित होती है, जहाँ प्रोटीन बर्बाद हो रहा है और ऊर्जा नहीं बन रही है। ऐसे लोग जो तेजी से वजन कम करने की डाइट करते हैं, बच्चों में अक्सर इस प्रकार की बीमारी होती है और जहाँ बच्चे की पोषण की आवश्यकताओं को नजरअंदाज कर दिया जाता है| यहाँ पर अक्सर दूध की एलर्जी जिम्मेदार होती है और लोग अन्य विकल्पों को अनदेखा करने की पसंद करते हैं।PEM Full Form in Medical
The full form of PEM in Medical is Protein Energy Malnutrition. It is a condition caused by a deficiency of protein and certain micronutrients and micronutrients. The patient suffering from PEM faces unintentional weight loss. There are three levels of PEM namely, mild, moderate, and severe based on the symptoms in the body. This condition is majorly found in developed and underdeveloped countries around the world.Classification of PEM
PEM is classified into two parts, namely primary PEM and secondary PEM. Know more details related to both in the section below.Primary PEM
Primary PEM is hard to find in children and is commonly applicable to adults suffering from depression. Primary PEM has two types namely, Kwashiorkor and Marasmus. The following are the details related to both types:Kwashiorkor
- Edema (swelling) in the legs, feet, and sometimes the face and hands, due to fluid retention
- Muscle wasting and loss of body mass
- Enlarged liver and fluid accumulation (ascites)
- Thin and fragile skin with discolouration and peeling
- Thinning, discolouration, and loss of hair
- Irritability, lethargy, and behavioural changes
- Poor growth and stunted development
- Delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to infections
- Loss of appetite
Marasmus
- Severe weight loss and muscle wasting, giving a skeletal appearance
- Prominent rib cage, visible bones, and thin extremities
- Sunken eyes with a hollow appearance
- Skin and bones are visible due to the loss of subcutaneous fat
- Growth retardation and developmental delays, both physically and mentally
- Lethargy, irritability, and weakness
- Severe malnutrition-related complications, such as electrolyte imbalances and infections
- Cold intolerance due to lack of insulation from reduced body fat
- Chronic diarrhoea and gastrointestinal disturbances
Secondary PEM
The following are the major symptoms related to PEM in humans.- Disorders in the gastrointestinal tract
- Increased vulnerability to infections
- Hyperthyroidism
- Trauma
- Burns
- Decreased appetite
- Impairs nutrient metabolism.
Symptoms of PEM
You can know about the symptoms of PEM by cross-checking if the patient inhibits any of the following:- Apathy and irritability
- Weakness and Inefficiency
- Impaired cognition
- Unconsciousness
- Lactose deficiency
- Diarrhoea
- Gonadal tissues atrophy
- Amenorrhea in women
- Libido in both men and women
- Unintentional Weight loss
- Shrinking of muscles
- Bone Protrusion
- Thin, pale, dry, inelastic, and cold skin
- Hair fall
- Impaired wound healing
- Vulnerability to Hip fractures and ulcers increases in elderly patients
- Reduces Heart size and cardiac output
- Decreased respiratory rate and vital capacity
- Liver, kidney, or heart failure
- Acute PEM might also prove fatal
How is PEM Diagnosed?
PEM can be easily diagnosed by conducting physical and clinical examinations of the patients. One should resort to check the following methods to know if the patient is suffering from PEM.- Calculation of BMI (body mass index)
- Analysis of Fat Metabolism
- Measurement of Height and Weight
- Levels of hormones, enzymes, cholesterol, etc.
- Measuring serum albumin levels
- Testing the total blood count
Treatment of PEM
The patients who are found suffering from PEM then they are administered the following treatment.- Balanced Diet
- Hydration
- Food supplements: vitamin B12, magnesium
- Avoidance of lactose
- Supportive Care
- Antibiotic treatment for infection
- Replenishing essential nutrients
- Oral feeding
- Reduction in poverty
- Multivitamin supplements
Complications of PEM
PEM causes a deficiency of a lot of vitamins and minerals in the body. However, if the treatment is delayed or not administered on time then the following complications are faced:- Pneumonia
- Urinary tract infection
- Sepsis
- Delayed wound healing
- Retardation in Growth
- Micronutrients deficiency
- Organ Failure
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PEM Full Form FAQs
What causes PEM disease?
PEM is mainly caused due to excessive starvation in children and adults.
What are the types of PEM?
There are two types of PEM namely, primary PEM and secondary PEM.
What is PEM disease called?
PEM disease is called Protein-energy malnutrition.
What is PEM in human nutrition?
PEM in human nutrition when there is unintentional weight loss of 10% in six months.
What is PEM Full Form?
The PEM full form is Protein-energy malnutrition.
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